By Alan B. Combs.

I have been thinking about how to develop this tale for over a year or so. A couple of weekends ago, the Republic of Texas Rally (aka the ROT Rally) had its annual meeting in Austin. The press has estimated that there were between 40,000 to 50,000 bikers in town. They were well-behaved and enhanced the economy and the sales of ear plugs.

It does seem to me that there are three ways that folks ride their bikes. First, there are those that ride racing bikes. The appropriate position is head-first, lying helmet-less and mostly prone on their donor-cycles.

Second, are the riders in the upright position. This leaves seating room on the bikes, and couples ride this way.

Finally, there are the bikes with the very long upright handlebars. (These are the Harley Choppers, Man.) Feet are in front, high on the bike and the body position is laid way-back, almost butt first. My best description is that they are occupying the *Trendelenburg Position.

*For those unfamiliar with this medical term, see Wikipedia, for example (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trendelenburg_position).